State of Origin goes to the dogs

WATCH out Queensland, the NSW Blues are back to try and claw back victory, and the competitors are rough, tough, and ready.

This weekend Rappville will host the annual Cobber State of Origin Dog Trial for the first time in 10 years.

The competition will be part of the Rappville Dog Trials, this Friday to Sunday, the Origin challenge starting at 2pm Saturday.

So can the canine squad bring back honour for NSW?

Geoff McLennan, President of the NSW Stock Dog Association, and a competitor in this year's State of Origin Dog Trial, with his dog Wally, said yesterday the dogs are fighting for "a little credibility".

A lot of training goes into these competitions, said McLennan, and they've come prepared for a fight, state rivalry running deep.

The five highest scorers over the past 12 months from NSW and Queensland will make up the two teams, with the sixth competitor from each a wildcard, selected on the day.

It's an exciting event for the North Coast, with three of the five NSW team mates from Casino: Steve Flately and McLennan, along with Robert Johnston, who took out the winning title at the National Championships at Springsure, Queensland, on the weekend. Also joining the fight for NSW is Dick Chapman from Murwillumbah, while the fifth member hails from Scone.

The challenge will be overseen by two judges, one from NSW and one from Queensland.

But if the Blues win, they won't be celebrating with a few too many rounds at the pub, they'll simply "be pleased to have a run," Mr McLennan said.